Earlier this week, I came across an article on ‘The arbiter’ magazine, written by American football referee Brian Goodlander, which I would like to share its main points with you

Refereeing is a difficult skill as referees are expected to start off in a perfect manner and improve with every game. The physical requirements, the player management skills and the pressure to be right every time drive many officials from the game. However, many referees come back every year and give back many years to their particular sport.

Thus the natural resulting question is what makes them return for another helping of stress and emotional abuse?

Goodlander then listed a number of factors that might be used as answers to the previous question.

Non-officials believe the main reason referees stay with the sport is money and the former must envision that the pocket money earned by working a few games is enough to entice the referees to take their verbal and mental abuse.

While that may be true for some referees, the majority of referees make considerably more at their regular jobs.

Goodlander stated, “If I refereed for money, I would work a different set of games than I do now. For example, high-level collegiate matches pay the most. I travel hundreds of miles to work one game. Add up the time spent travelling, gasoline, meals, arrival time before the match, length of the game, the post-game activities and pretty soon the hourly wage is not lucrative. Simple math shows that you make more money staying near home and doing five or six youth games. Officials who keep coming back each year because of the money need to re-think their decision”

Another so called “urban legend” is that referees officiate for the self-gratification of wielding ultimate power during the game. Again, that may be true for a few officials, but effective and successful referees know not to be over-officious.

While the physical challenge is a test, the mental challenge is what brings most referees back. As Goodlander said, “there is great joy in maintaining your calm and composure despite the pressure and passion of players, coaches and fans during a heated match. Few professions other than officiating build that skill. Applying that skill is invaluable in your personal and professional life as well.”

According to Goodlander, an honourable and virtuous reason for returning to the game each year is for the game. Many officials say that they return “for the kids.” They proudly state that the game could not be played without referees and they want to give back to the game that has given them so much.

The friendship, camaraderie and fellowship of partners is also a big reason to return. The first games of the year bring a smile to your face as you see officiating friends after the summer break. Time spent between games on the sidelines is a highlight. The joking, friendly teasing and war stories in the referee tent at a weekend tournament and the mutual interest present at a clinic or association meeting is a big reward for being an official.

It is no secret that generally (always if there is mutual respect) referees that you see each year become your friends and family. You care about their successes, their lives and their sorrows.

I will conclude this week’s article with a quote from the world famous Italian football referee Pier Luigi Collina. The latter is now the referee designator for the Italian Serie A. While speaking about ways on how football could improve, Collina said “the game could be more beautiful if the players showed respect toward the rules, the referee on the field of play. There’s a big need for respect in football not only toward officials but between players.”